UP Michigan
 

Just got home from 3 1/2 days of shooting at grouse on the upper peninsula.What a trip we had as well as a lesson in humility.Birds made a fool of me daily.I was completely unprepared for the explosive flush and vegetation we had to deal with.
We flushed more than 30 birds per day(one day 50) and woodcock mixed in.Woodcock became more frequent each day as the weather got colder(With light snow).
Birds just caught me off guard and it took me over a day to catch up.Finally started knocking down some birds and woodcock but not what I thought I would.
Lodge was awesome and the scenery was unbelievable.Hearing wolves at night,seeing a little snow with fall colors made it a successful trip.
Naturally I am going back next Oct. with a whole new respect for grouse.
I had hunted them before in Maine years ago but much different terrain.The challenge here was hearing or seeing the flush and trying to be ahead of the birds.Lots of early flushes but plenty of shootable birds just always behind.
Lots of woodcock which made a nice distraction but not what we were really after.Shouldn't complain about the only bird I could consistently hit.
Here are a couple pics of the trip and gun I used(trojan 20ga).

Pictures didn't up load

Guides and food were outstanding with these guides(Stoneybrook Kennels).We had field lunch one day the rest were to wet and or windy(snow)but hunting was good.
Never had lunch like this before.Menu started off with woodcock pate,smoked salmon with crackers.Then grouse with potatoes and brussel sprouts,hot coffee and sweet tea(can't leave home without).Table clothe was even from the old country,Germany I believe.
Lodge meals were also unbelievable some sort of wild game daily with all the sides.

Almost forgot the desert chocolate mousse.

Welcome to the UP.....

Dave

What area of the UP where you hunting? Looks like your guys were really roughing it.....

The hunting looks good but I might just go to eat.

The food was awesome our guide is a chef also and treated us daily to several unforgettable meals.
This one caught me off guard much like the grouse anyhow it was delicious.
Tim Burton(Nightmare before Christmas)came to mind as this was set on the table.

Best I can figure we were around the Humboldt area.I was getting curve balls from all sides.Between being late on the flushes and eating more than one should while walking mile after mile each day.The late sunrise was another huge distraction(about 820am).I would wake at 5to 6am each day.I think I had to much coffee and reflections on the previous day before we every set foot outside.

Have eaten fish cooked with head on why not birds ?